Diamond-like carbon is made under controlled circumstances inside a laboratory.

Written by: Denton Vacuum, LLC

There are seven varieties of “man-made diamond” to be found. These materials are meant to replicate the hardness and luster of a naturally occurring diamond, but they are produced in a laboratory under controlled conditions. As a result, the synthetic materials are usually considered “perfect.” On a molecular level, the materials are nearly indistinguishable from those of a naturally occurring diamond, but there are definite differences apparent to those in the know.

Diamond like carbon is used in materials that would benefit from the extra durability, like drill bits or saw blades for construction. You’ll also find the material inside of the housing in hard disks, and the engines of modern day sports cars use the dust to coat their parts too. The main benefit is reduced abrasion, which is especially important in high performance tools.

Natural diamonds sometimes have a hue that is barely noticeable, but does change the color of the diamond. In manufacturing, it is possible to use plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition to achieve the same goals.

Coating a substrate with these materials requires extreme heat. This is why manufacturers rely on ion beam deposition. It allows a producer to create the conditions needed to break down the diamond-like carbon, and use those molecules to produce a thin-film coating. This material can strengthen glass, making it scratch resistant.

An increased lifespan for the product is also better for the environment, because it cuts down on unnecessary waste. With diamond-like carbon, a variety of old tools can find new use with an increased durability.